Sunnyvale will monitor cell phone towers more closely starting Thursday when a stricter city program kicks off, allowing more frequent testing of radio frequency emissions.

Council approved the new requirements in September after the city experienced an upsurge in telecommunications applications that prompted residents to rally for stricter testing. Residents said they were concerned about health issues related to radio frequency emissions.

City planning officer Trudi Ryan said the federal government sets and controls emissions standards, but the city can require more frequent testing.

“We are not going to wait for a complaint,” Ryan said. “We are going to monitor it on a more regular basis.” RF emission testing was previously completed at the time of installation or renewal of the permit, which expired every five years. The newest regulation lengthens the permit’s life to 10 years but requires proof of RF emissions and noise levels every two years.

The new regulations come at a time when telecommunication devices—antennas, panels and dishes used to assist in wireless communication services—are multiplying. The city has seen more applications from wireless providers, including Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS and Metro PCS, for permission to mount equipment on poles or other structures to provide wireless service to their customers.

From Oct. 23 to Nov. 23, the city approved five applications for installation in the city.

As of Nov. 23, there were 110 facilities on 67 different sites ranging from monopoles, utility poles, church roofs, chimneys or faux trees.

There are 23 monopole locations in the city.

The pole that serves the highest number of carriers is located behind the Elks Lodge on N. Pastoria Avenue. The seventh wireless carrier for that location was approved in October.

While the city has the authority to deny or approve each application, the federal government largely regulates the devices through the Telecommunications Act, which generally requires local communities to allow these types of uses.

Ryan said city approval of each application depends on the zoning district or proximity to residential zones, aesthetics and potential noise associated with ground equipment.

Industrial and commercial zones are preferred locations and have a lesser review process than those near residential property.

The review process could come in the form of an administrative, planning commission or city council hearing. Applications go before city council only on appeal.

“Essentially, the closer [proposed devices] are to residential, the higher level of review,” Ryan said.

Residences and apartments cannot lease space to wireless providers.

Property in a residential zoning district without a residential use, such as a church, can apply for a telecommunications facility on its property.

“If there is an existing tower or pole, it is preferred over erecting a new pole,” Ryan said.

The city also has the ability to regulate aesthetics, which is a large part of what it does, Ryan said. “We encourage those faÂade-mounted facilities that integrate into the architecture.” All of the providers have lease agreements with the property owner. There are a few instances where the city leases property to wireless providers.

Sunnyvale isn’t the only city to seek more control over towers.

This year, Los Angeles County voted to seek legislation to repeal the portion of the Telecommunications Act that limits local authorities ability to regulate facilities based on health and environmental effects.

The city council in Portland, Ore., also passed a resolution to work with federal agencies to update studies on potential health effects.

Sunnyvale city leaders could review telecommunication guidelines and requirements next year. The council is set to rank study issues in January.

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